Writing for Wrecked

I've added a new site to my writing resume, Wrecked For the Ordinary. Ironically, it was through one of the artists we reviewed over at Soul-Audio that I came to know of the site but they seemed to have a mindset similar to mine. And no, Mom, they don't pay. And yes, I probably have the largest resume of non-paying gigs in history. But at least someone likes my work...

Here's the first review I've done for them of Jim Palmer's Divine Nobodies.

Recent Writing...

It's been some time since I've really posted any links to anything that I've been working on so I thought maybe we could work our way back and let me reestablish that, yes, I have been writing some. Actually, I'm looking forward to unveiling something that I'm really excited about in the next couple of days but, in the meantime, allow me to share some of what I've been at work on most recently.

Let's begin with my recent work for Stereo Subversion.

First up is a review for longtime party jammers, The B-52's new album, Funplex. It's just what you'd expect from the group: quirky, progressive, and fun.

Next is a review of Paul Thorn and band's latest effort, A Long Way From Tupelo. For my money, Thorn is one of the most underrated artists working in the industry today. Let's hope new management and this album help him to overcome that monkey on his back.

And last but not least, for the moment, is my review of alt-country chanteusse Tift Merritt's most recent work, Another Country. It's soulful, light, and refreshing. It's a wonderful sonic retreat for those in need of some respite from the day-to-day grind.

More to come...

Review: Under the Influence of Buck - The Derailers

The Derailers were a new name to me but the name of Buck Owens wasn't. The country legend had taken this group under his wing, appreciating their appreciation of his music and their heart for performing. It's this relationship that pours through this album, offering up covers of the late Owens' music that speak of love and care. This is good stuff. Here's the Infuze review:

Under the Influence of Buck - The Derailers

Review: Tension - Dizmas

I've become a wee bit hardened the past couple of years against much of what the contemporary Christian music community has put out. So much of it is derivative, unimaginative, and just ends up sounding like the band before them. So, here's what I can say about the new album from Dizmas: Its a good listen in that it does sound good, with solid production and able performances, but, well, it sounds like everybody else. Check out the Infuze review here:

Tension - Dizmas

Review: The Kid EP - Identity Relief

I tend to shy away from Christian indie artists because, at least in the experiences I've had, they tend to be less than listenable. Weak production and even lesser lyricism and musicianship tend to be the norm. It's not a good thing for the Christian community. Yet, as of late, I've found myself pleasantly surprised at the good to come out of that very same niche. One such artist is Identity Relief, based out of Birmingham and bringing an eclectic and encouraging voice to the musical community. Check out the Infuze review here:

The Kid EP - Identity Relief

Review: Determined - CO3

Country music has always had a decent standing within the Christian community until there is an attempt to make a "Christian country" album. At that point, things tend to get a little weird and the community as a whole has not really embraced many new artists to the genre. CO3 isn't going to break that mold. Talented fellas but just not enough wow factor to break through in my opinion. Here's the Infuze review:

Determined - CO3

Review: Goin' Home - A Tribute to Fats Domino

Most folks from my generation only know Fats Domino from the occasional snippet of his that gets played in a few films or from watching re-runs of Happy Days. Yet, Fats was one of the early innovators of rock 'n roll and lent a great voice to the town of New Orleans as well. This collection is a mixed bag but brings a nice sense of reminiscence along with monies that go to a good cause. Check out the Stereo Subversion review here:

Goin' Home: A Tribute to Fats Domino - Various Artists

Review: The Needles The Space - Straylight Run

Excellent. Solid. Great. Just a few simple words to describe this release by indie darlings Straylight Run. This one is well worth a few spins on your ipod. Here's the Stereo Subversion review:

The Needles The Space - Straylight Run

Review: Manifesto - Pocket Full of Rocks

A couple years ago I found my ears tuned into the worship from this new group Pocket Full of Rocks. There main claim to fame was having penned a song that CCM hero Michael W. Smith had covered but their debut had some soaring vocals and compelling tunes. So, I was interested to see what would happen the second time around. Unfortunately, PFOR hit the sophomore slump this time around and created an album that is a little too CCM friendly for this boy. Here's the INFUZE review:

Manifesto - Pocket Full of Rocks

Review: The Storm - Travis Tritt

I've been a Travis Tritt fan for a long time. I don't have a big collection of his records but I've always been a fan of that blues-infused country twang that the country star always put to good use. His last album, while holding a few gems, left a little to be desired, especially with topical yet bad call tracks like "The Girl's Gone Wild". Apparently, his record company felt the same way and Tritt found himself now an indie artist. The result is The Storm, a mixed bag of results, some solidly good, others not so. Here's the INFUZE review:

The Storm - Travis Tritt

Review: It's Not Big It's Large - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

I've been a fan of Lyle Lovett's "Aw shucks" brand of country for some time now and was excited to see a new release come. Fairly gospel in nature, this release continues the artist's great flow of minimalist songwriting and compelling instrumentation, coupled with a keen sense of humor that is always aided by Lovett's simple humility. Good stuff. Here's the INFUZE review:

It's Not Big It's Large - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Review: DoorWay - Ron Block

I've been a longtime fan of Alison Krauss and Union Station and was pleasantly surprised a few years ago when member Ron Block released a faith-infused solo effort. Block turned out to be more than a stellar instrumentalist and showcased some solid songwriting in addition to offering his musical skills. DoorWay is his latest effort and it is no less compelling, with a very intelligent and yet accessible set of themes. It's good stuff. Here's the INFUZE review:

DoorWay - Ron Block

Review: Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley

I first became aware, and this shows how naive I was, of Rilo Kiley via Jenny Lewis' solo album with the Watson Twins. That lead me to checking out RK and I was hooked. Yet, this newest release is a little too pop, a little too mainstream feeling for me. Lewis and Co. are far too talented to bow to the sentiments of mainstream radio in this young man's opinion. Here's the Stereo Subversion review:

Under the Blacklight - Rilo Kiley

Review: Unglamorous - Lori McKenna

Some artists just deserve to be heard and Lori McKenna is one of them. Having had songs covered by some serious A-list country stars like Sara Evans and Faith Hill, the thirtysomething mother of five is finally getting her shot at the big time and it's near a bullseye. Honest, soulful, and unpretentious, this is a good one. Here's the review I did for Stereo Subversion:

Unglamorous - Lori McKenna

Review: Mentor Tormentor - Earlimart

These guys just might be one of the best bands that you haven't heard of, yet. Earlimart brings some very unique sounds to this album and ends up with a great record. Stay tuned in a few weeks for an interview with Earlimart as well! Here's the INFUZE review:

Mentor Tormentor - Earlimart

Review: Theology - Sinead O'Connor

I remember hearing Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" over and over and over as a young adolescent. Images of her shaved dome were everywhere and, outside of mimicking her unique vocal inflection, not much was to be really taken seriously. Yet, a lot has occurred for the artist and for me in the years since then and we've both grown. O'Connor's newest album has caused buzz in both mainstream and Christian circles and is very worthy of a long listen. Here's the review I did for Stereo Subversion:

Theology - Sinead O'Connor

Review: The Wagonmaster - Porter Wagoner

Several months ago when I interviewed Marty Stuart, he mentioned working on this project with Porter Wagoner. So, when it released, I had to hunt it down and give it a listen. Simply amazing. Wagoner is clearly one of the statesmen of the genre and Stuart's production coaxes the best out of the near octogenarian. Haunting, powerful, and stirring, Wagoner's Wagonmaster is a classic listen. Here's the Infuze review:

The Wagonmaster - Porter Wagoner

Review: Up Front and Down Low - Teddy Thompson

I've tended to have a bit of an unreasonable predisposition against those from other countries or backgrounds who have tried to take on country music. Guys like Keith Urban just sort of annoy me. If you speak with an accent like that, country ain't your thing. But I've had to rethink my position after hearing this album from Teddy Thompson which blows me away. A collection of covers and one original, Thompson's taste and delivery are impecible and leave you wanting for more. Here's the Infuze review:

Up Front and Down Low - Teddy Thompson

Review: Remedy - The David Crowder Band

It's no secret to those who know my musical passions that the DC*B is by far one of my favorite bands out there. On top of that, Crowder himself is just one of the coolest personalities that you'll find in music. Humorous, self-deprecating, insightful, and just downright quirky, the guy makes good music. That's why I was a little disappointed at this new release. It just didn't quite measure up to the lofty expectations I held for it. But, it's still worth a listen. Here's the Infuze review:

Remedy - The David Crowder Band

Review: Chronology V.2 - Third Day

Back with their second greatest hits compilation in less than a year, this volume documents the latter portion of Third Day's career, which is for me by far the less inspiring end of things. Again packaged as a two-disc set, with one being an audio and the other DVD, the set is good for fans of radio-friendly Christian rock or die-hard Third Day fans. Here's the Infuze review:

Chronology V. 2 - Third Day